There is really lower local demand but we hope to compensate it with the exports,” Ambros said

Now pushing for exports, NTA will be implementing the Total Tobacco Contract Growing System, which will address both volume and quality requirement for domestic manufacturing and for export based on purchase commitments to be submitted by tobacco companies starting tobacco season 2017 to 2018.

NTA will also be helping tobacco farmers, especially those without marketing agreements with companies, to penetrate overseas markets.

“We have to invest on provision of production assistance and inputs to tobacco farmers for shifting towards topped tobacco production, irrigation facilities, and flu-curing barns for Virginia and air-curing sheds for burley and native tobacco, among others,” said an NTA statement.